Connecting block for the hydraulic supply lines of the hydrostatic unit of an oil-film bearing

ABSTRACT

A bearing has a mount relative to which can move a part to which hydraulic fluid must be supplied. A connector has a housing fixed to the bearing mount and formed with a central bore centered on an axis and with a radial bore extending outward from the central bore. A tube axially shiftable in the central bore forms at the radial bore an annular compartment and has a passage opening radially into the compartment and axially at one end of the tube. A conduit is connected a coupling at one end of the tube and the part. Another coupling at an outer end of the radial bore connects to a source of hydraulic fluid under pressure so that the fluid can flow through the radial bore, annular compartment, and passage to the coupling at the one end of the tube and then through the conduit to the movable bearing part.

[0001] The invention relates to a connector block for a hydraulic supply line of a hydrostatic unit of an oil-film bearing that is fixed to a bearing mount and that has at least one hydraulic hose that is connected with a journal bushing movable in the bearing mount.

[0002] Such a connector block has a quick-connect coupling by means of which, for example when the a roll is to be changed, it is possible to make the fastest possible connection of the bearing to an oil supply. The connector block further has a hydraulic hose that serves to feed the hydraulic fluid to the bearing sleeve. The bearing sleeve is movable in the mount so that the hydraulic hose can compensate for the movement between the bearing sleeve and the stationary connector block. The hose is thus exposed at the bearing mount.

[0003] As a result there is the danger of damage to the hoses on the one side by friction against the bearing mount and above all by unintentional damage taking place in the mill during roll change, all leading to rupture of the hoses.

[0004] It is an object of the invention to improve on a connector block such that these disadvantages are avoided and that the service safety of the hydrostatic unit is increased.

[0005] This object is achieved by the features of claim 1. The connector tube that can shift axially in the connector block can compensate for movements of the bearing sleeve. In this manner the connector block can be connected via a very robust hose or even a rigid pipe with the bearing sleeve.

[0006] The invention is more closely described with reference to a drawing. The drawing shows a connector block 1 that has a central bore 2. Bushings 3 and 3′ are provided in the central bore 2 which also holds a connector tube 4. The connector tube 4 is closed at one end and has an open end provided with a connector 5 for an unillustrated pipe or hose. In this manner the connector 5 as well as a hose coupling joined to the connector 5 on the tube 4 is protected inside a bearing mount 11.

[0007] The connector tube 4 is sealed in the central bore 2 or relative to the bushings 3 and 3′ by seals 6. The connector block 1 is formed with a radial bore 7 ending in an annular compartment 8. An outer end of the radial bore 7 has a quick-connect coupling 9. The connector tube 4 has at least one radial passage 10 that connects the annular compartment 8 with the interior of the connector tube 4.

[0008] Hydraulic fluid can flow via the quick-connect coupling 9, radial bore 7, annular compartment 8, radial passage 10, and connector tube 4 to the coupling 5 of the connector tube 4. Movement of the unillustrated bearing sleeve is transmitted via the unillustrated tube or pipe to the connector tube 4 which can compensate for this movement by shifting axially in the stationary connector block 1.

[0009] The connector block 1 is bolted to the bearing mount 11 so that it is not sensitive to shocks. Another seal 12 protects the interior of the hydraulic circuit and the bearing mount 11 from coolant and dirt. The connector block 1 can be made of corrosion-resistant material so that it will not be damaged by coolant.

[0010] Reference-number list

[0011]1 Connector block

[0012]2 Central bore

[0013]3 Bushing

[0014]4 Connector tube

[0015]5 Coupling

[0016]6 Seal

[0017]7 Radial bore

[0018]8 Annular compartment

[0019]9 Quick-connect coupling

[0020]10 Radial passage

[0021]11 Bearing mount

[0022]12 Seal 

1-7. (canceled)
 8. In combination with a bearing having a mount relative to which can move a part to which hydraulic fluid must be supplied under pressure, a connector comprising: a housing fixed to the bearing mount and formed with a central bore centered on an axis and with a radial bore extending outward from the central bore; a tube axially shiftable in the central bore, forming at the radial bore an annular compartment, and having a passage opening radially into the compartment and axially at one end of the tube; a coupling at the one end of the tube; a conduit between the coupling and the movable bearing part; and another coupling at an outer end of the radial bore for connection to a source of hydraulic fluid under pressure, whereby the fluid can flow through the radial bore, annular compartment, and passage to the coupling at the one end of the tube and thence through the conduit to the movable bearing part.
 9. The connector defined in claim 8 wherein the housing includes bushings slidably supporting the tube.
 10. The connector defined in claim 9, further comprising seals flanking the compartment between the housing and the tube.
 11. The connector defined in claim 8 wherein the coupling at the one end of the tube is received in the central bore and recessed in the housing.
 12. The connector defined in claim 8 wherein the housing is bolted to the bearing mount.
 13. The connector defined in claim 8 wherein the central bore is throughgoing and has an end opposite the one end of the tube, the connector further comprising means sealing the opposite end relative to the tube. 